All Aboard Florida full steam ahead despite public pushback

Project will bring high-speed passenger rail from Miami to Orlando

Big opposition is gathering for All Aboard Florida, the high-speed train that would link Orlando and Miami next year.

All Aboard Florida full steam ahead despite public pushback

Project will bring high-speed passenger rail from Miami to Orlando

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Updated: 12:32 AM EDT May 28, 2014

TEQUESTA, Fla. —

Hundreds of Tequesta residents packed a public meeting Tuesday night to hear updates on All Aboard Florida, a privately run plan to provide high-speed passenger rail service from Miami to Orlando.

Nearly everybody in attendance was opposed to the idea, with many citing noise issues and public safety concerns. Despite the public outcry, the plan is moving forward with an environmental impact study.

Local leaders said there's not much municipalities can do to stop it.

"We're looking at all different types of mitigating circumstances," said Tequesta Mayor Abby Brennan. "That's the best that we can do at this time."

Since the tracks are owned by a private corporation, Florida East-Coast Railway, the plan does not need government approval. But the Department of Transportation must approve a $1.5 billion Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement loan for the project to move forward.

"The RRIF loan is the only leverage we may have," said Brennan. "If they did not want that loan, they could be building the track right now."

All Aboard Florida has said the project will help tourism and decrease highway congestion, offering a cheap way to quickly travel between Florida's two big tourist destinations. The project calls for an additional 32 trains each day and would have stops in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando.

The environmental impact study, which will address issues like noise, traffic and safety, is expected to be released within weeks. All Aboard Florida hopes to operate the passenger service by 2016.